Show Up to Speak Up – Focus Day is February 11, 2019
by Nancy Chamberlain, WSPTA Advocacy Director PTA members adopted a new set of legislative priorities focusing on all aspects of the health, safety, well-being and education of children – and 1.1 million students need YOU to be their voice on Focus Day, February 11, 2019. What ARE our Priorities? How do you learn enough about…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Washington State PTA’s Response to Federal School Safety Commission Report
After months of input, the Federal Commission on School Safety released its final report this week. The Washington State PTA (WSPTA) supports the National PTA statement expressing some concerns about several of the recommendations, including: The rollback of the 2014 guidance on school discipline from the U.S. Department of Education and Justice Department is particularly…
Washington State PTA Statement on Governor Jay Inslee’s 2019-21 Budget Proposals
Photo credit (Ted S. Warren / The Associated Press) “Washington State PTA (WSPTA) is very pleased with the direction of the Governor’s proposed two-year budget,” said Michelle Nims, president. “At the top of our priorities is increasing the staffing for student well-being, including additional nurses, social workers, behavioral health specialists, psychologists, and counselors. This budget starts with…
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Legislative
40th Annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly Wrap-Up
Delegates from across Washington state gathered to adopt a brand-new two-year legislative platform and several new permanent advocacy positions, be inspired, receive advocacy training, and network with other passionate PTA members during the 40th annual WSPTA Legislative Assembly, October 20-21, at Green River College. Some highlights of the Assembly included a keynote address by the…
Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation
In a short session today, the Joint Select Committee on Article IX Litigation unanimously approved a report to the Supreme Court describing the 2018 session’s accomplishments towards meeting the McCleary lawsuit. Two major elements of the 16-page report include expediting educator salaries to the 2018-19 school year and establishing a $105 million “penalty account,” which…
Local Public K-12 Education Investments – OSPI Tool
On March 30th, Superintendent Chris Reykdal sent every legislator a handout with information about the public schools within their legislative district. You can find all of those handouts on the OSPI website – use the drop-down box on the top left-hand side to choose a legislative district.
Education Funding Changes Signed into Law
On Tuesday, March 27, Governor Inslee signed E2SSB 6362, the “fixes” to last session’s EHB 2242 on education funding. For a summary of the changes, see our Week 9 recap. Details on the effects on funding statewide and for each school district can be found by downloading the “Updated Multi-Year Budget Comparison Tool” from the OSPI…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
National PTA Legislative Conference Recap
The 1.1 million students of Washington state were represented by WSPTA leaders in Washington, D.C. March 13-15, during the annual National PTA Legislative Conference. The WSPTA delegation was WSPTA President Michelle Nims, WSPTA Legislative Director Nancy Chamberlain, National PTA Board member and WSPTA past-President Heather Gillette, National PTA- and WSPTA- past-President Laura Bay, and Seattle…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
Legislative Session – Week 9 Recap
After a very busy 60 days, the Washington State Legislature adjourned Sine Die moments after 10 PM March 8. This was only the second time in the past 10 years that the Legislature has adjourned on time. The 2017 session went into multiple overtimes, clocking in at an unprecedented 193 days. With 2018 elections just…
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Advocacy
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Legislative
WSPTA Bill Status Report – End of Week 9
Keep up with the bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated Legislative Priorities and long-term positions – see the attached report for our Bill Tracker for the End of Week 9.
Category:
Advocacy
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Legislative